Inconsistent Cowboys Still in Driver's Seat in NFC East

The Dallas Cowboys got straight blown out of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in Week 10. Despite the 49-17 loss to New Orleans, the Cowboys still have the best chance of winning the NFC East.

Philadelphia and Dallas each own a 5-5 record on the season, and the Eagles have rallied around quarterback Nick Foles. Michael Vick's backup has yet to throw an interception all year. Foles has thrown 10 touchdown passes since his team's 17-3 loss to Dallas.

Because of that Week 8 loss, though, the Cowboys own the season tiebreaker with Philadelphia for now and own a 3-0 division record. While a .500 record this late in the season isn't what Cowboys coach Jason Garrett likely had in mind back in Week 1, the NFC East has been dreadful.

Due to early season struggles by the likes of Washington (3-6), the Giants (3-6) and Philadelphia, the Cowboys are in prime position for a division crown.

That 3-0 record means that none of Dallas' divisional foes can own a head-to-head tiebreaker on the current NFC East leader. If the Cowboys lost their second meetings with all three teams, the tiebreaker scenario would be forced to be based on overall record.

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If the Cowboys win one or two of their remaining three divisional games, it would be difficult for any other squad to finish with a better divisional record than Big D.

Aside from the remaining divisional games, the only other teams remaining on Dallas' schedule are the Raiders, Bears and Packers.

Green Bay might not have quarterback Aaron Rodgers back in time for its Week 15 showdown at AT&T Stadium. The Raiders and Bears combine for an 8-10 record so far this season.

It's probably a little more than wishful thinking by the Dallas faithful to be thinking this is a 10-6 team. More likely, Garrett's team is destined for another 8-8 or maybe 9-7 finish, but that's just fine.

A 9-7, possibly even 8-8 record, depending on other situations, could earn the Cowboys an NFC East title in 2013.

The Eagles are looking to be the biggest challengers for Dallas' hopes of finishing atop arguably the league's worst division. Luckily for America's Team, it has already defeated Philadelphia and won't play Foles and co. until Week 17.

By then, the Eagles might have already faded out of title contention. Even if they haven't, the Cowboys would have a chance to fight for the division crown and possibly control their own destiny.

It sounds odd considering Dallas' record and recent inconsistency, but due to early season victories, the NFC East title is within arm's reach even now at 5-5.